Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo has been linked to both Arsenal and big-spenders Monaco this summer but, according to both his agent and the team’s sporting executive Klaus Allofs, the Brazilian won’t be leaving.

With Arsene Wenger after a holding midfielder, Gustavo has been a long-rumoured target for the Gunners, having previously been linked to the club prior to leaving Bayern Munich last August for his current side.

With the Frenchman so far frustrated in his attempt to land Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho, the 27-year-old has recently re-emerged as a reported option, with a swap deal involving Lukas Podolski suggested to be in the works.

However, Allofs has since shot done those claims, insisting that the side’s star midfielder is going nowhere.

‘I do not know how these rumors come up,’ he told local newspaper WAZ. ‘Some just have too much imagination.’

Gustavo’s representative Roger Wittman also echoed that sentiment, adding: ‘Luiz has chosen to remain with Wolfsburg. So that the issue is settled. Done!’

One of the better performers during Brazil’s disappointing World Cup campaign, Gustavo’s contract with Wolfsburg was reported earlier this summer to contain a €25 million release clause, which came into effect following the tournament, though it remains be seen whether such claims are valid.

Regardless, the 25-times capped international’s defensive qualities would no doubt solve Arsenal’s issues at the troublesome holding role, much like club legend and compatriot Gilberto Silva did for the famed “Invincibles” side, though the chances of a switch to the Emirates now appear to have been dealt a blow.

Would Gustavo be a good signing for Arsenal?

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.